While traditional management theories focus on leading those below you, managing upwards is no less an important skill to master. Whether you're new to the workforce or a seasoned professional, (almost) everyone has a boss. Effectively influencing and collaborating with those in higher positions is critical for professionals aiming to navigate hierarchies, build strong relationships with superiors, and advance their careers. Let's explore some strategies to hone this essential skill.
Understand how they like to work
Managing upwards begins with understanding the dynamics of your organisation and the unique personalities and preferences of your superiors. Take the time to observe how they communicate, make decisions, and prioritise tasks. Are they detail-oriented or big-picture thinkers? Do they prefer regular updates or periodic summaries? By gaining insight into their working style and expectations, you can tailor your approach to better align with their needs.
Purposeful communication
Effective communication lies at the heart of managing upwards. Keep your superiors informed of your progress, challenges, and achievements, but do so strategically. Rather than bombarding them with constant updates, be concise and purposeful in your communications. Highlight key insights, offer solutions to potential problems, and seek their input or support when needed. Additionally, adapt your communication style to resonate with theirs, whether they prefer face-to-face meetings, email updates, or formal reports.
Anticipate needs and provide solutions
Proactive anticipation of your superior's needs is a hallmark of effective upwards management. Stay one step ahead by identifying potential roadblocks or opportunities and offering solutions before they arise. This demonstrates initiative and foresight, positioning you as a valuable asset to your organisation. Anticipating needs also involves understanding the broader goals and priorities of your superiors and aligning your efforts to support them.
Credibility is key
Trust is the foundation of any successful relationship, including those with your superiors. Consistently deliver high-quality work, meet deadlines, and follow through on commitments to build trust and credibility. Be transparent about your capabilities and limitations, and don't hesitate to seek guidance or clarification when needed. Building a reputation as a reliable and dependable team member fosters trust and opens doors for greater autonomy and responsibility.
Seek feedback and act on It
Feedback is a valuable tool for professional growth, and managing upwards involves actively seeking feedback from your superiors. Be open to constructive criticism and view it as an opportunity for improvement rather than as a personal attack. Act on feedback promptly, demonstrating your commitment to growth and development. Additionally, don't shy away from providing upward feedback when appropriate, offering insights and suggestions to enhance team dynamics and organisational effectiveness.
Can-do attitude
In the fast-paced world of business, challenges and obstacles are inevitable. However, how you respond to them can make all the difference. Cultivate a solutions-oriented mindset that focuses on identifying opportunities within challenges and finding creative ways to overcome obstacles. Instead of dwelling on problems, approach your superiors with proactive solutions and a can-do attitude. This not only demonstrates resilience and resourcefulness but also showcases your value as a problem solver.
Foster collaboration and alignment
Successful upwards management involves fostering collaboration and alignment with your superiors to achieve common goals. Actively seek opportunities to contribute to cross-functional projects or initiatives, collaborating with colleagues across departments to drive results. Additionally, align your individual goals and objectives with those of your superiors and the broader organisation. By demonstrating a commitment to shared objectives and collective success, you position yourself as a strategic partner rather than a mere subordinate.
Conclusion
In today's dynamic and competitive workplace, effective upward management is essential for career advancement and success. Establish yourself as a valuable asset to your superiors, rather than just as an employee requiring supervision. Embrace the challenge of managing upwards as an opportunity for growth and development and watch as your career reaps the rewards.
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